The Audi V8 is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured by Audi from 1988 to 1994. It is Audi’s first model to feature a V8 engine, which provided a powerful and smooth driving experience. The V8 engine produces a maximum power output of 250 horsepower, making it capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 7.3 seconds. Besides the powerful engine, the Audi V8 is also known for its high-quality materials, advanced safety features, and innovative technologies, making it a popular choice among luxury car enthusiasts.
One of the critical components of any car is the electrical system, and the Audi V8 is no exception. The electrical system consists of various components such as the fuse box and relay, which play a crucial role in ensuring that the car’s electrical functions work correctly. In this article, we will discuss the Audi V8’s electrical components, focusing on the fuse box and relay, their function, and where to locate them in the car.
The Fuse Box
The Audi V8’s fuse box is located on the left side of the dashboard, behind the driver’s side door. The fuse box contains various fuses that protect the electrical components from power surges and short circuits. When an electrical component fails or draws too much power, the corresponding fuse will blow, causing that particular component to stop working. The fuses in the Audi V8 are color-coded and numbered to make it easy to identify them. A blown fuse can be easily replaced by removing the old one and replacing it with a new one of the same color and rating.
The Relay
The relay is an essential part of the Audi V8’s electrical system that controls various components’ operation, such as the headlights, windshield wipers, and power windows. The relay works by receiving signals from the car’s computer and activating the corresponding component. The Audi V8 has several relays located in different areas of the car, including the engine compartment and the dashboard. The relay can fail due to various reasons, such as a faulty electrical connection or a worn-out switch. When a relay fails, the corresponding component will stop working, and the relay will need to be replaced to restore the component’s operation. It is important to note that replacing a relay requires some knowledge of electrical systems, and it is recommended to seek professional help to avoid damaging other components.
(1988-1994) Audi V8 fuse box and relay with Diagram
Passenger Compartment Fuse Box
| No. | Amps | Assignment/Designation |
| 1 | 15A | Front Fog Light, Rear Fog Light |
| 2 | 15A | ’88-’90: Emergency Flasher |
| 10A | ’91-’94: Emergency Flasher | |
| 3 | 25A | ’88-’90: Stop Lamp Switch, Horn |
| 20A | ’91-’94: Stop Lamp Switch, Horn, Auxiliary Radiator Fan (2nd/3rd Speed) (’93-’94) | |
| 4 | 15A | Interior Lights, Cigarette Lighter, Luggage Compartment Light, Trip Computer, Climate Control System, Radio/Speakers, Auxiliary Radiator Fan (1st Speed), Vanity Mirror Light, Clock, Socket |
| 5 | 10A | Oxygen Sensor Heating Element |
| 30A | Cooling Fan (Full Speed) | |
| 6 | 5A | Right Side Marker & Park Lights, Daytime Headlights (Canada), Right Taillights (’93-’94) |
| 7 | 5A | Left Side Marker & Park Lights, Left Taillights (’93-’94) |
| 8 | 10A | Right High Beam Headlight, High Beam indicator |
| 9 | 10A | Left High Beam Headlight |
| 10 | 10A | Right Low Beam Headlight |
| 11 | 10A | Left Low Beam Headlight |
| 12 | 15A | Headlight Washer, Auxiliary Washer, Rear Light Control Unit, Back-Up Lights, ABS Control Unit, Auto Shift Lock, Car Phone (’93-’94), Differential Lock, Cruise Control |
| 13 | 15A | Fuel Pump |
| 14 | 5A | License Plate Light, Center Console Light, Glove Box Light, Engine Compartment Light, Instrument Cluster (’93-’94) |
| 15 | 25A | ’88-’90: Wiper/Washers, Turn Signals, Heated Washer Jets, Air Conditioner |
| 15A | ’91-’94: Wiper/Washers, Turn Signals, Heated Washer Jets | |
| 16 | 30A | ’88-’90: Rear Window Defogger, Heated Mirror |
| 20A | ’91-’94: Rear Window Defogger, Heated Mirror | |
| 17 | 30A | ’88-’90: Air Conditioner, Heater Blower |
| 20A | ’91-’94: Air Conditioner, Heater Blower | |
| 18 | 25A | ’88-’90: Power Seats witch Memory |
| 5A | ’91-’94: Power Seats Memory, Outside Mirror, Central Locking System (’93-’94) | |
| 19 | 10A | Central Locking System, Heated Door Lock, Anti-Theft Alarm System |
| 30A | Central Locking System, Heated Door Lock | |
| 15A | ’91-’94: Central Locking System, Heated Door Lock | |
| 20 | 25A | ’88-’90: Heated Seats |
| 30A | ’88-’90: Cooling Fan (Low Speed), Cooling Fan Relay | |
| 30A | ’91-’94: Heated Seats | |
| 21 | 20A | ’88-’90: Power Windows |
| 25A | ’91-’94: Power Windows, Rear Cigarette Lighter | |
| 22 | – | – |
| 23 | 10A | Injected Valves, Heated-Wire Air Flow Sensor |
| 24 | 15A | Active Carbon Canister Valve, Idle Stabilization |
| 25 | 30A | Power Seats with Memory |
| 26 | 5A | Cruise Control |
| 27 | 5A | Motronic Engine Control System |
| 28 | 5A | ’88-’90: Instrument Cluster |
| 15A | ’91-’94: Instrument Cluster | |
| 29 | 10A | Automatic Transmission |
| 30 | 5A | Instrument Cluster, Trip Computer & Function Control Switch, Auto-Check System |
| 31 | – | – |
| Relay | ||
| R1 | Horn | |
| R2 | Foglights | |
| R3 | Automatic Transmission | |
| R4 | – | |
| R5 | Washer/Wiper Intermittent | |
| R6 | – | |
| R7 | Fuel Pump | |
| R8 | – | |
| R9 | Load Reduction | |
| R10 | – | |
| R11 | – | |
| R13 | Radiator Cooling Fan (3rd Stage) | |
| Circuit Breaker | ||
| R12 | Power Window, Power Seats | |
Passenger Compartment Relay Box No.1
| No. | Relay | |
| R1 | Air Conditioner | |
| R2 | Catalytic Converter | |
| R3 | Radiator Coolant Fan (Low Speed) | |
| R4 | Front Light | |
| R5 | Power Window/Sun Roof | |
| R6 | – | |
| R7 | – | |
| R8 | Radiator Cooling Fan | |
| R9 | ABS Combination | |
Passenger Compartment Relay Box No.2
| No. | Relay | |
| R1 | – | |
| R2 | Speaker | |
| R3 | Anti-Theft Alarm Light Warning | |
| R4 | Driver Heated Seat | |
| R5 | Passenger Heated Seat | |
| R6 | Shift Lock | |
| R7 | Back-Up Light | |
| R8 | Auxiliary Wash Pump | |
| R9 | Left Rear Heated Seat | |
| R10 | Right Rear Heated Seat | |
The Audi V8 is a well-engineered luxury sedan that provides an exceptional driving experience. Understanding the car’s electrical components, including the fuse box and relay, is crucial in maintaining the car’s performance and ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers. Regular inspection and maintenance of the electrical system, including checking the fuses and relays, can help prevent electrical failures and extend the car’s lifespan. If you notice any electrical issues in your Audi V8, it is recommended to seek professional help to diagnose and repair the problem to avoid further damage to the car’s electrical system.
